[HANASHIR:14366] Re: Another Hatikvah question

[Debra Devora Olitzky <devora85...>]

First off, I wanted to thank everyone for their help on the History of 
Hatikvah. My Director is going to address the clergy about changing what we do 
at our synagogue.

Secondly, Rachel brought up the issue of kids going to religious school as 
forced by their parents, rather than willingly, and the issue of the Hebrew 
language. Being a Day School music teacher AND a religious school 2nd grade 
teacher, I have a wonderful perspective of seeing things from both ends. (I'm 
sorry if I'm going to run a bit off topic with this.) 

A lot of times, religious school seems to "interfere" with all of the things 
that families do on weekends, and after-school activities, such as soccer. 
Parents (blanket statement, here)seem to favor the commitment of a sports team 
over the commitment to their children of teaching them about Judaism. It's very 
frustrating to me that it is more important to some parents teach their 
children not let their teammates down at the expense of learning about Judaism. 
But, I think it is a reflection of how many people think it's enough JUST to BE 
Jewish rather than to LIVE Jewish. Being a Day School teacher, I teach the 
children, I hope more of how to live Jewish lives, granted, I try to instill 
that in my Religious School kids, as well, but Day School is a different world. 
The kids learn Hebrew every day for an hour. By the end of fifth grade, they 
can have a full conversation, and they are acting out plays, completely in 
Hebrew. Being a product of Religious School, myself, my Hebrew vocabulary is 
very limited. But, the Hebrew that I do know, I speak with my kids at home, so 
it's not something they only hear at school and it is a bit more meaningful in 
their lives. There are so many differences in the level of observance I see 
among my Religious School and Day School families. Some of the Day School kids 
only get the "Jewish experience" at school, others keep kosher and observe 
Shabbat weekly.

I think that what we teach kids in the world of Jewish music is a definite 
connection to our heritage and tradition. I think it gives them something to 
relate to, look foward to, and enjoy. It's what I remember most about going to 
"Sunday school," the songs we sang and how they tied to the holidays, but then 
again, I'm a musician, that's how I think. I think the Hebrew songs are 
crucial. It gives kids a stronger connection to our language. I always point 
out the words they know and how they relate to the song, as well as, discussing 
the meaning of the song. What's my point in all of these ramblings? We need to 
excite kids about Judaism so they want to continue living Jewish lives as 
adults, regardless of the level of observance that's in their home as a child. 
I think music is a great outlet for that. In Religious School I teach a unit on 
Havdallah, but then I follow up by DOING Havdallah with them. Most of them have 
never seen a Havdallah candle nor have they heard the Havdallah blessings. 

I guess what I'm saying is if we teach kids how to live Jewishly and instill a 
love of Judaism and being Jewish, including making our history come alive for 
the kids, (not too tall of an order, is it?) then we're doing a great job.

Devora

Original message attached.
At 12:03 PM 5/20/2003 -0400, you wrote:
> Gail, Rahel and others --
> Thank you for responding. I actually received some emails offlist by
> folks who thought I needed my head screwed on straight. Those who have
> responded seem to be largely unappreciative of the question. And
> no one has responded to my actual query, which was how Jewish teachers
> deal with this type of question as it comes
> up...


I disagree. I think you have received some responses that have addressed
the question. On the other hand, it seems that we need to have more
active discussions on the subject in order to find a more complete line
of action. If I might veer off in another direction, though not off
topic, I have similar issues just with singing (and teaching) in
Hebrew.  I sing often in Hebrew - out in the general public - and
find that (and I take the risk of making a very general blanket statement
here) more NON-Jews are interested in Hebrew than are Jews. 

Just as we are struggling with the issues of whether to sing the anthem
as it is sung in Israel or not, or whether to sing the anthem at all, I
find myself in a similar struggle just to get the students, and their
parents, and the congregation to sing in Hebrew - be it liturgical or
secular music. 

It feels almost as if because we might have been forced as children to
learn Hebrew, go to Sunday school  etc. - which is apparently
completely inconvenient for most students AND their parents, then as
adults we need to somehow continue this feeling of discontent and avoid
the Hebrew language - and thus also Israel - and anything related to
those subjects - at all costs. 

I realize that it is always easier, more relevant and more meaningful to
sing lyrics that you can understand and pronounce. But Hebrew really is
NOT a foreign language to Jews. Why must we keep it at such a distance
from our regular lives? Why must it remain only relevant to prayers and
blessings? Why do I so often find myself in such a struggle when I try to
keep Hebrew alive by using it, teaching it and singing it? 

What kinds of experiences have you had? 

Rahel